Building users ‘sabotaging’ move to low carbon?

Many new buildings are not meeting their low-energy-use targets despite being designed for optimum energy efficiency. An ongoing study by BRE social scientists reveals that building users and occupants are frequently not using the building as it was designed. Some are inadvertently preventing systems from working properly by blocking trickle vents, using heaters and even disabling automatic systems. In many cases designers haven’t considered occupant behaviour when designing environmental systems and controls. Findings from the study will be used to develop design guidance.